Maximising Income for Tenants (London)

This course enables housing staff to maximise income for their tenants and will help Local Authorities meet the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act. It considers a range of vulnerable groups including people leaving prison and hospital, survivors of domestic abuse, care leavers, and those affected by a health condition or disability. The course looks at the whole benefits system but has a particular focus on housing related payments and getting the rent paid.

By the end of the course participants will:

Be aware of the range of benefits that make up the benefits and tax credits system and who can claim them;

Know when a tenant should claim housing related benefits through Universal Credit and when it should be Housing Benefit;

Know when and how it is possible to fill gaps in the rent account by getting housing related benefits paid retrospectively;

Be able to identify the correct package of benefits for tenants and help with the claims process;

Be aware of the likely work requirements that affect different vulnerable client groups;

Be able to trouble-shoot problems that typically affect tenants;

Have access to the BTC advice service for 12 months after the course.

This is a practical course. It is delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, group work and exercises, case studies, group discussion and games.

This course is relevant to anyone who works in the housing sector, particularly Housing Options teams and anyone whose role is affected by the Homelessness Reduction Act.